By Steve A. Morrell
Money-laundering and related financial frauds would be intensely investigated and those suspected of such financial crime would be brought to j1ustice regardless of social standing. The law would be enforced stringently on those who engage in these malpractices, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.
The CBSL Governor made these comments in response to questions posed by the press at the media briefing addressed by him on December 4 at CBSL’s Atrium complex. At the head table with Governor Cabraal were Deputy Governor Dr. K.M.M. Siriwardena, Deputy Governor Ms. T.M.J.Y.P. Fernando, Deputy Governor Dr. N.W.G.R.D. Nanayakkara and Deputy Director of the Foreign Remittances Facilitation Department Dr. B.H.P.K. Thilakawardena.
It is of importance that banks have assured the Central Bank that such suspect transactions would be closely monitored. The receipt of large parcels of funds that raise suspicions would be thoroughly probed. Banks would be empowered to investigate the origins of such funds. If valid explanations are not forthcoming as to how such moneys were amassed, action would be taken following intense investigations to bring wrong-doers to justice, the CBSL Governor said.
On the subject of Sri Lankan migrant workers, Cabraal said that the number of workers who departed this year was comparatively low. Some 20,000 left for employment. This figure was nowhere near the annual departure rate. Before the pandemic, about 96, 000 or more Sri Lankan migrant workers were employed in other countries.
Cabraal added:
‘The low worker departure numbers this year meant dollar remittances this year were also low.
‘However, such remittances attracted duty free concessions, which encouraged migrant workers to send back earnings.
‘In exchange rates, the dollar was now Rs.210. This meant that depreciation of the rupee was stalled.
‘Inflation is subjected to global prices of oil, coal and other goods Sri Lanka imports. Based on such international prices, import value of such commodities was beyond the control of the local authorities and did influence the inflation that was experienced by Sri Lanka.
‘Departure to other countries for employment by Sri Lankans was now facilitated to ensure such departures were not stalled in any way because of the importance of forex remittances.
‘There was also now a useful pension scheme in addition to the duty- free allowance; mainly to encourage inward remittances.’
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